BRADFORD Park Avenue have certainly not had the rub of the green in their first few fixtures in the National League North, and there are few crumbs of comfort in the forthcoming games.

Avenue began with back-to-back draws but followed that up with consecutive defeats, both by the odd goal.

There is a feeling in the camp that once the team banks their first maximum, the floodgates will open and the points will soon mount up.

However, in a tough division the testing fixtures just keep coming.

Avenue host a side with momentum behind them today in newly-promoted Corby Town, who are protecting an unbeaten start after four games.

Next Saturday, FA Trophy holders North Ferriby United, who beat Wrexham in a dramatic final at Wembley Stadium, are at Horsfall Stadium.

Avenue end this month with a Bank Holiday Monday trip to old adversaries Harrogate Town.

September starts for Martin Drury's men with a home game against AFC Telford United, the third relegated side Avenue will have faced after an opening-day draw at home to Nicky Law’s Alfreton Town and a 1-0 defeat at Nuneaton Town, who went to the top of the table after that win.

Last season’s rivals Solihull Moors and Tamworth follow, as well as Avenue’s first game in this season’s FA Cup.

Drury, who keeps referring to the fine margins in football, needs to get his team selection right so as not to exit that competition too early as his predecessor and mentor John Deacey had an excellent record in reaching the first-round proper.

Avenue have been short on goals but with Chib Chilaka, James Walshaw, Massiah McDonald and Seb Carole in the ranks, they will be able to address that as long as Drury gets the best out of them.